2021 GMC Savana Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2021 GMC Savana has a complaint index of 53, ranking 10th out of 20 model years, with 2 complaints and 3 recalls on file. Steering problems dominate the complaint history, with owners reporting power steering fluid leaks and stiff steering near 54,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 53/100
- #10 of 20 Savana years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2021 GMC Savana problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering2 (100%)
- Engine1 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff while driving, sometimes with the check engine light illuminated.
- Power steering fluid leaks have been reported, in one case requiring replacement of the PCM, power steering unit, and related sensors.
- A separate report describes power steering line and hydroboost leaks across multiple fleet vehicles at similar mileage.
- Reported steering failures cluster around the same median mileage of 54,000 miles.
2021 GMC Savana recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V247000Apr 6, 2023Electrical System150,830 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Risk: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will properly seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.
- NHTSA 21V189000Mar 18, 2021Electrical System10,154 vehiclesPark Outside
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
Risk: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals near the fuse block assembly attachments, free of charge. If too much of the tab had been removed during prior servicing, the battery cable will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202325160.
- NHTSA 21V115000Feb 25, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires33,838 vehicles
Tires
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
2021 compared with other Savana years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 GMC Savana reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 2 complaints for the 2021 Savana, giving it a complaint index of 53, which ranks 10th out of 20 model years. It has 3 recalls but no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
- What is the main problem with the 2021 GMC Savana?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 100% of the reported complaint share, with issues like power steering fluid leaks and stiff steering reported at a median of 54,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 GMC Savana have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Savana covering the electrical system (battery cable terminal contact issue requiring owners to park outside) and suspension/wheels/tires.
- How does the 2021 Savana compare to other Savana years?
- With a complaint index of 53, the 2021 model falls in the middle of the pack. Years like 2017 (complaint index 100) and 2005 (complaint index 84) rank worse, both marked Avoid.